Google also believes that when a person decides to video-call a friend, one rarely wants to pivot to messaging or group chatting anyway.īecause Duo offers just the bare bones, it can provide a solid, no-muss-no-fuss video calling service. Plus, with Messenger, you don't need a Facebook account (a phone number will suffice).īut Google didn't create Duo to be an all-in-one communication platform to do so would make it hairier to use. For example, they support messaging and you can start video calls with multiple people.

And the best difference between it and Hangouts? It uses end-to-end encryption, so your data can't be viewed from third parties or even Google itself.Īll three of these competing apps do much more than simply one-to-one video calls. Other than downloading the app, you won't have to force anyone to log into their Google accounts or sign up for a new service. Unlike Hangouts, it reaches people through their phone numbers, not their Gmail. Whereas Hangouts can be used on desktops, supports messaging and group chats, and has multiway video for collaboration (and its interface reflects these extra features), Duo does one thing and one thing only: video calls on your phone or tablet. But according to Google, Duo is supposed to be way more specialized. Lynn La/CNET It's different than Hangouts (no, really)Īt this point you might be wondering what makes Duo different than Google's other video-calling service, Hangouts, and you're not alone if you think the company has one too many communication tools. During a call, you'll see only a handful of features (right). Before a call you'll see icons to start video and your recent contacts (left).

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